Middle School

Private Lessons

The Alameda String Academy is a music school conveniently located in the heart of Alameda offering high quality instruction in violin, viola, cello and guitar, with a particular emphasis on chamber music.

Our goal is to provide more than “just lessons.”  Our talented faculty work hard to create a real community of musicians where students enjoy their music, play together in groups, and perform for each other in a kind, supportive and challenging environment.

Matthew Linaman

Driven by the intense desire to both express himself through music and inspire others, Matthew Linaman dedicated himself to learning the cello to express his own unique voice when he was 12. Over 10 years later, this dedication has led Matthew to perform both as soloist and collaborator in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. Now focused on empowering young students through music, Matthew specializes in teaching young cellists the foundations of technique and self-expression while cultivating curiosity, the hunger to know, and the drive to make an impact in the world.

Emily Thebaut

Lyric Soprano, Emily Thebaut is currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Emily runs her own private voice and piano studio, is an avid performer in the Bay Area and is the artistic director of a pop-up opera troupe, Opera on the Spot. Emily's most recent performance engagements have included performing the role of Laetitia from Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief, Bianca, from Puccini's La Rondine at Oberlin in Italy, and the Governess from Britten's The Turn of the Screw at Bay Area Opera Theater.

Angela Solis

angelasolismusic.com

Angela Solis is a violin and viola teacher with more than 12 years of experience.

She started her music studies in Spain where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music in 2004. During this time, her performance and teaching experience was forged between the classical, contemporary and regional styles. Her experience in performance includes playing in several orchestras, ensembles, recording studios and as the lead singer and founder of the band “Costellas”.

Jack Perla

Beginning in New York with his group Music Without Walls and continuing in San Francisco, Jack Perla has forged a reputation for his unique cross-fertilization of jazz, improvisation and classical music. He’s been commissioned by the Los Angeles Opera, Opera Theatre St. Louis, Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, The Paul Dresher Ensemble, TwoSense, MATA, and many others. Jack’s latest opera Shalimar the Clown, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie, premiered in June 2016 at Opera Theater St. Louis.

Natalie Raney

Natalie is a dedicated teacher and currently holds her own studio in San Francisco. She is currently on faculty at the SFCM Pre-College coaching chamber music. Additionally, she has coached chamber music to young groups through the Lyceum Music Festival in Utah as well as Summer Music West in San Francisco.

Ross Thompson

English-born composer and international concert guitarist Ross Thompson (b. 1967) spent his childhood in Puerto Rico before moving with his family to the United States. Mr.

Amy O'Brien

“As a teacher, I focus on students’ individual needs in order to help them realize their full potential as musicians. Technique, musicality, body posture and relaxation awareness are all integral pieces of the learning process. Helping students adhere to a productive daily practice schedule is also essential. I believe these are the keys to growth, opening infinite doors physically, mentally and musically.”